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Welcome to the website dedicated to the preservation of the Kael-Basart House and Jess Murals in Berkeley, California. This Berkeley home in which the film critic Pauline Kael lived from 1955 to 1964 has been put up for sale by Sotheby’s International Realty. Notable for being Kael’s home during some of her formative years, the house is also exceptional for it’s stunning murals by the renowned painter and collagist Jess (1923–2004), which he created in 1956 for Pauline and her young daughter.

The Committee to Preserve the Jess Murals & Kael-Basart House (a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization), Jess Collins Trust and other lovers of Jess’s work are seeking to preserve the house and murals for future generations to see, study and enjoy. Your tax-deductible donation will help cover the costs of preserving the murals and developing the house as a center for educational and cultural activities. No donation amount is too small, donations are tax-deductible, our tax ID number is 47-1636422.